On the job: Nhut Nguyen, executive chef, Hirosaki Prime, Worcester

Monday

Sep 17, 2012 at 6:00 AMSep 17, 2012 at 6:04 AM

“Nothing beats the feeling of someone coming to me telling me that my dish was the best thing they had ever had. It gives me a feeling of accomplishment knowing that someone has really enjoyed my work. I also love meeting new and interesting people, and the people that I work with are just wonderful.”

When did you first realize that you wanted to become a chef?

“My passion for the culinary art came from working with my hands and seeing the outcome of my hard work. And constantly being able to eat is always a plus.”

What are the best parts of your job?

“Nothing beats the feeling of someone coming to me telling me that my dish was the best thing they had ever had. It gives me a feeling of accomplishment knowing that someone has really enjoyed my work. I also love meeting new and interesting people, and the people that I work with are just wonderful.”

What about the most difficult parts?

“Any chef will tell you that the restaurant is a very stressful environment. Managing orders on a busy night and dealing with the more difficult customers can take a toll on anyone, but if they truly enjoy their work, like I do, then the pros definitely outweigh the cons.”

What kind of training and education did you have to undergo to become a hibachi chef?

“I came into the job with no prior culinary knowledge. Since hibachi cooking is much different than the normal kitchen job, the kind of training that I had was all on the job.”

How is being a hibachi chef different than a “normal” kitchen job?

“It requires someone with a good personality and someone that likes to meet and interact with new people day to day. I was lucky to have worked under a very knowledgeable and skillful head chef who let me try new things and helped me hone my skills.”

If you could be anything other than a chef, what would you be?

“That's a tough question. I honestly love trying and learning new things, and there's a million different things that I can see myself doing. But if I had to say one, I guess I would be an astronomer. I feel like that's a field that you can never stop learning.”

Do you have any extra hobbies or activities?

“I love computers; most days if I'm not at the restaurant, you can find me on my computer. I'm also an amateur astronomer, so I do make time to enjoy Mother Nature. I'm also starting to get into photography as well.”

Do you have a favorite meal that is cooked at Hirosaki Prime?

“I definitely enjoy cooking our steaks. We have such great quality steaks that you cannot go wrong with, whether it be our certified Angus or our prime sirloin.”